Sarafina movie producer charged with attempted murder

VETERAN playwright and musician Mbongeni Ngema allegedly fired three shots.But they all missed the target.And his alleged trigger-happy moment got him in trouble with the law.The Sarafina producer was arrested on Friday morning and charged with attempted murder.Mbongeni was arrested after he had allegedly threatened a friend.According to court papers, Mbongeni fired three bullets in the air on Thursday night, when he allegedly suspected a close friend was flirting with his wife.It allegedly happened after a round of drinks at Gallo Manor in Sandton, north of Joburg.According to information obtained by the SunTeam , the other man was Menelisi Nkambule, who has been Ngema’s friend for more than a decade.Sunday Sun could not establish which of Mbongeni’s three wives was involved in the alleged incident.In a statement deposed by Menelisi at the Sandton cop shop, he said they drove together from Randburg after meeting to discuss business ideas.The statement reads, in part: “The shooting incident occurred in Gallo Manor, Sandton. The complainant Mr Menelisi Nkambule from Diepkloof, Soweto, stated that they drove from Randburg to (the) Gallo Manor house.“They continued drinking some liquor in the lounge, the complainant was talking to Mr Ngema’s wife.“Mr Ngema then chased the complainant, firing three shots in the air. No one was injured.”A police officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said Mbongeni was carrying a .38 special revolver, which has since been seized by police.“The state might also add charges of handling a firearm under the influence of liquor,” said the cop.Police spokesperson, Lungelo Dlamini, said Mbogeni appeared in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Friday.“He appeared on charges of attempted murder and was granted a R1 000 bail. His case was postponed to later this month.”Both Mbongeni and Menelisi could not be reached for comment.